Several businesses call former school home

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October 25, 2013|BY JEFF BAHR, jbahr@aberdeennews.com

CONDE - The people of Conde are getting good use out of their school.

The Conde Artisans Gift Shop, open since 2009, is located in a room that once housed the first and second grade. The old school is also home to city hall, a fitness center, adult and children's libraries and a beauty shop.

People from as far away as Brentford use the fitness center, which is open 24 hours a day to members.

The beauty shop, called The Hair Studio, is operated by Melissa Henjum. It's housed in the former science room.

The Conde gymnasium is still used by members of the public. In addition, Northwestern's junior high team plays its games there.

The senior center sponsors a coffee hour in the building every Wednesday at 2 p.m.

Organizers have tried to get members of the community involved as much as possible, says Walter Stevenson, whose jewelry is sold at the gift shop. About 15 artists have products for sale at the shop. Some live in the Conde area, and some live far away.

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This is a way to use the building rather than let it sit and deteriorate," Darlene Grant says.

A sign in front of the building says, "When one door closes another one opens."

The store, Bev Wright says, offers both gift and household items. Most of them are homemade, she said.

The Artisans Gift Shop is open three days a week right now, and two days a week from January through April. The shop has three or four open houses, with entertainment, a year.

"We took a survey of people, and they love to be entertained," Wright said.

The next open house will be Nov. 16.

A rag quilt is being raffled off at the gift shop. The proceeds will be used for a new heating system in the gymnasium.

The gift shop also welcomes groups. If a group arranges a visit, "We'll feed them tea and crumpets," Grant says.